Game Of Thrones: Which Ruler Are You?

 

“When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.” When you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, everything sounds like a metaphor for your business. I don’t know about you, but compared to Game of Thrones, my business has far fewer swords and fur cloaks, and no dragons to speak of. But leaders – kings, queens, conspirators, and crownless – are everywhere, both there and here. Which begs the question: Which ruler are you? Try these examples on for size.

Robert Baratheon. Charismatic but clueless. Bored by details, and the last to know what is actually going on. Eventually marginalized and subverted by his lieutenants.

Cersei Baratheon. A plotter, always seeking more power. When her plots backfire, she covers them over with new plots, eventually making a mess too big to be swept under any rug. Unable to take actions at face value, she evaluates everyone according to her perception of their (sometimes imagined) ulterior motives.

Ned Stark. Honest, capable, and hard-working, but lacking in imagination, especially in the shadowy world of greased palms and whispered rumors. This ox will pull the load until his back or his heart breaks. May lose his head at the worst possible time.

Catelyn Stark. Some rulers lead by force of character more than title. As conscience and counselor for her husband Ned and son Robb, Catelyn provides indispensable guidance and support. Her blind spot is her over-reliance on her own good judgment, even when situations bring her contrary facts which should not be ignored.

Continue reading →